Livadia Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Firm, clean sand throughout the bay — excellent holding medium. 10 mooring buoys laid along the main quay (use when available; anchor off when buoys are taken). Bay faces E: fully exposed to easterly winds which occur irregularly in summer. Ferry wash is significant. In strong E/NE conditions the anchorage deteriorates rapidly — Plaka Beach under Cape Spano (N coast, NNW-sheltered) is the backup.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Livadia is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Livadia are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m in the open bay. Sandy bottom gives reliable holding; 65m is appropriate for the open east-facing bay. In Meltemi conditions the NW swell builds from NE refraction; once wind eases the bay settles quickly. Be prepared to relocate to Plaka Beach (N coast) if any easterly develops.

May–June and September–October best. July–August viable in prevailing Meltemi but the E exposure requires constant forecast monitoring. Tilos rewards sailors who give it extra time.

Navigation Hazards

• Exposed to E/NE: easterly winds make the bay untenable; relocate immediately to Plaka Beach (N coast) in any easterly forecast
• Ferry wash: large ferry serves Tilos regularly; significant wash if anchored near the harbour entrance
• No fuel on the island — plan reserves from Nisyros or Rhodes
• NE Meltemi refraction around Cape Spano (N of island) builds some swell in the bay in strong Meltemi

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Mooring buoys: Available — Free or nominal charge — ask the port authority
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. 10 laid moorings along the main quay (free or nominal). No fuel on the island — carry reserves. Ferry has priority at the main quay.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Livadia village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Around 15 tavernas in the village; excellent local food and fresh fish
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use the mooring buoys when available — they are free or nominal charge and save your anchor from the busy bottom
2. If buoys are full, anchor off in the bay; 4–8m over clean sand anywhere in the centre of the bay
3. Tilos is one of the best islands in the Dodecanese for walking — 15 marked trails; the medieval village of Mikro Horio is outstanding
4. Backup anchorage: Plaka Beach under Cape Spano on the N coast is safe even in strong Meltemi (NNW wind) — useful if any easterly threatens
5. Stock up on fuel at Nisyros (8nm) or Symi/Rhodes before arriving